
Class J\^.J1L£. 
Rnnk . (0(!^<^ L 3 



NO PLAYS EXCHANGED. 



»^ 



5AMER'5 Edition 

5r PLAY5 



The Ladies of Cranford 




Copyright, ^vm rv waltcp m saksa a ao 



4 

iA. W. PINERO'S PLAYS 

I 
I 

t 

(US 

t 
w 



Uniformly Bound in Stiff Paper Covers, 
Price, 50 cents each. 



The publication of the plays of this popular author, made feasible by the new 
Copyright Act, under which his valuable stage rights can be fully protected, 
enables us to offer to amateur actors a series of modern pieces of the highest 
class, all of which have met with distinguished success in the leading English 
and American theatres, and most of which are singularly well adapted for ama- 
teur performance. This publication was originally intended for the benefit of 
readers only, but the increasing demand for the plays for acting purposes has 
far outran their merely literary success. With the idea of pliicing this excel- 
lent series within the reach of the largest possible number of amateur clubs, we 
have obtained authority to offer them for acting purposes at an author's roy- 
alty of 

Ten Dollars for Each Performance. 

This rate does not apply to prof essionai performances, for which terms will be 
made known on application. 



THE AMAZONS. 



A Farcical Romance in Three Acts. By Arthur 
\y. PiXERO. Seven male and five female char- 
acters. Costumes, modern; scenery, an exterior 
and an interior, not at all difficult. This admirable farce is too well known 
through its recent performance by the Lyceum Theatre Company, NeAV York, to 
need description. It is especially recommended to young ladies' schools and 
colleges. (1895.) 



I 
I 

f 
T 



THE CABINET MINISTER. 



Costumes, modern society ; scenery. 

genious in construction, and brilliant in dialogue 



A Farce in Four Acts. By 

Arthur W. Pinero. Ten male 

and nine female characters. 

three interiors. A very amusing piece, in- 

(1892.) 



"nA"rJ"nV Dine 1 ^ Farce in Three Acts. By Arthur W. Pinero. Vi 
■'^•"-'■^•*^ * i-'XV-irv.* I Seven male, four female characters. Costumes, mod- 

' "" ' . ' ' ern ; scenery, two interiors. This very amusing piece 

was another success in the New York and Boston theatres, and has been ex- 
tensively played from manuscript by amateurs, for whom it is in every respect 
suited. It provides an unusual number of capital character parts, is very funny, 
and an excellent acting piece. Plays two hours and a half. (1893.) 



THE HOBBY HORSE. 



A Comedy in Three Acts. By Arthur 
W. Pinero. Ten male, five female char- 
— ^ — ' acters. Scenery, two interiors and an ex- 
terior ; costumes, modern. This piece is best known in this country through the 
admirable performance of Mr. John Hare, who produced it in all the principal 
cities. Its story presents a clever satire of false philanthropy, and is full of 
interest and humor. Well adapted for amateurs, by whom it has been success- 
fully acted. Plays two hours and a half. (1892.) 






LADY BOUNTIFUL. 



A Play in Four Acts. By Arthur W. 
Pinero. Eight male and seven female char- 
acters. Costumes, modern ; scenery, four 



interiors, not easy. A play of powerful sympathetic interest, a little sombre in 
key, but hot unrelieved by humorous touches. (1892.) 



The Ladies of Cranford 

0"^ •■ 1899 

A Sketch of English Village Life 
Fifty Years Ago 

In Three Acts 



By MARY BARNARD HORNE 

Author of " The Peak Sisters" " Prof. Baxter^ s Great Invention^ 
" The Book of Drills i' etc. 



BOSTON 

WALTER H. BAKER & CO 

1S99 






^^.<\^ 



The Ladies of Cranford 



\^ 



CHARACTERS 



Miss Matilda Jknkyns, 
Miss Mary Smiih, 
Miss Jk.sie IJkovvn, 
Miss Tolk, 
Mrs, FoRRKsi er, 

Ml:,S BkTTY r.ARKER, 

'I'liK H(»N. Mrs. Jamieson, 

Martha, 

Pecjoy, 

Mrs. Purkis, 

Little Susan, 

Jknnie, 

Little James, 



/■//(f Rector^ s daughter 

her visitor 

a tiew resident 

a J'rievd to Miss Jenkytis 

bortt a Tyrrell 

a retired milliner 

a leader in society 

maid to Miss Jenkyns 

maid to Miss Barker 

a country woman 

her daughter ■■ 

a country girl \ 3 
a small boy 



Act L — Scene, Miss Matty's Parlor — Afternoon Tea. 
Act IL — Scene, Same — " Miss Matilda Jenkyns, licensed to sell tea." 
Act II L — Sci.NE, Miss barker's Parlor — A Card Parly. 
TiMK, AR 'UT 1840. • 




Copyright, 1S99, by Walter IL Raker & Co. 






xo 



COSTUMES. 

Costumes may be found in the edition of Cranfoid, illustrated 
by Hugh Thomson. They should be carefully reproduced, and 
tile bonnets made to look like illustrations. 

Miss Matty is a delicate little old lady, with a sweet face, and 
a\i undecided manner, as found in frontispiece, and in pages 62 
and 73. 

Miss PoLi£ is tall and thin, with a stitf manner, and a rather 
strong-minded appearance— but she succumbs to ruffles at the party 
— and wears seven brooches, which should be obvious. See 
page 135. 

Mrs. F(JKKKSter is a tiny old lady— very shabby and quite 
poor — rather deaf but of exceedingly good f.imily. 

Miss Harkkr -overdressed and has the ai)pearance of using 
up her stock in trade, in the way of ribbons and laces. 

Mrs, Jamikson— a large florid woman — very languid — speaks 
with a drawl. See last illustration in book. 

Mary Smith and Jessie Brown should be pretty young girls 
— one dark and the other light. Mary — pages 232 and 242. 
jEssii-:— page 38. 

Martha — a large awkward servant — who blunders about and 
makes much business of keeping on paper paths and of her devo- 
tion to Miss Matty. See pages 78, 163, 242, 250. 

Pkggy — a tidy little maid — like illustration, page 183. 

Mrs. Purkis— common country woman, in shawl and bonnet. 

Children and customers dressed like those on pages 266 and 284. 



PROPERTIES. 

Old-fashioned furniture, stiff-backed chairs, an old square 
piano, or i)Ossil)lv a mclodeon or parlor organ would do. Can- 
delabras and old-fashioned candlesticks, cards for preference— a 
card-table, tray, with pretty china, tea chests, tumblers and jnrs 
for candy, scales, etc., for store — see frontispiece to Cranford. 
Brown paper sewed together in long strips to make the paper 
paths — newspapers can be placed in other places on floor. 



The Ladies of Cranford, 



ACT I. 

SCENE. — Miss Matilda Jenkyns' parlor. Tea-iahle r. c. 
Spinnet L. Sofa R. F. Fireplace and mantel R. Candles on 
mantel. Door l. b. Door R. Chairs scattered about. Roo7n 
arranged in prim manner, but tastefully, with signs of past 
elegance. Newspapers spread over carpet, here and there. A 
path of brown paper leads from door l. b. , to tea-table. Mary 
Smith and Jessie Brown discovered sitting together on sofa — 
talking confidentially. Mary has plain sezving; Jessie with 
knitting-work. Bright-colored wools heaped about. As curtain 
rises girls return to work, as if they had just embraced. 

Mary. There, noiu we will attend to the knitting. {Showing 
Jessie.) No, no, put your thread (77'^r— that's right. Now go on. 
(Jessie knits, Mary sews.) I never do fancy work when I visit 
in Cranford. It is such a good opportunity to make my father's 
shirts. 

Jessie. Don't you find it exceedingly tiresome ? 

Mary. What, making shirts or visiting in Cranford? 

Jessie. O, both. Cranford is so dull. 

Mary. Jessie you don't half know the place yet, or you would 
never call it dull. Now — knit back — plain. 

Jessie. But it is dull, nevertheless. Nothing ever happens 
here. Such a dead monotony. No births, no marriages, no 
deaths, even. 

Mary [laughing). How can there be births or marriages in a 
community of widows and maiden ladies, and not a nian in the 
place ? And as for deaths, people can only die of old age, here, 
it is so healthy. 

Jessie. Then why, Mary, do you find Cranford so interesting? 

Mary. I cannot tell you. There is a quaint charm about it, 
that suits my fancy. I have made visits here ever since 1 was a 
little girl in pinafores — and — well— there is nothing like it— not even 
in London. 

Jessie. I should think not. 

Mary, The dear old ladies are so irresistible. Put your 
thread over — take up two stitches, and seam. That's right. 

5 



THE LADIES OF CRANFORD. 

( Mary jumps up, moves a newspaper to another place on tht 
carpet and resumes seat on sofa. ) 

Jessie. Now, what did you do thatioxl 

Mary. I — why Jessie — I was practicing elegant economy a la 
Cranford. Those pjipers are to preserve Miss Matty's new carpet 
from the rays of the sun, and 1 was chasing a sunbeam. 

Jessie. O [knitting,] shall I seam back? 

Mary. Yes, dear. Now, do you see that paper path from the 
door to the table? That is for Martha to walk upon, when she 
brings the tea — to save the carpet. 

Jessie. O, how droll ! 

Mary. Do people make paper paths in London? 

Jessie. Hardly. But is there need of such economy ? 

Mary. Many people in Cranford appear to be in straitened 
circumstances. But they do not acknowledge it. O, my, no! 

Jessie. Well, we are downright poor. 

Mary. Sh ! Don't whisper it in Cranford. 

Jessie. Why, that is the reason for our coming here. 

Mary. Well, there is no need of shocking the elite of Cran- 
ford by mentioning it. Now, seam back. 

Jessie. Who are the elite, Mary ? 

Mary. Can you ask ? First and foremost— the Hon. Mrs. 
Jamieson — and then — the rest of us. 

Jessie. There, Mary. I have learned the stitch and I must 
go. I promised to teach it to Miss Pole as soon as ever I got it. 

Mary. But you will stop on your return, and have a cup of 
tea? 

( Rolls up work. Enter Martha walking carefully on paper path. 
Stops abruptly at terminus. Jessie gathers up worsted and 
prepares for departure. ) 

Mary [standi^ig). O, Martha, is that you? 

Martha [sniffing). Yes, miss. 

Mary. Martha, what is the matter? 

Martha. Nothin*, miss. 

Mary. Then what do you want? 

Martha. Missus sent me to say, as she presents her compli- 
ments to Miss Brown, and will she remain to drink a cup o' tea. 
She is very sorry that she is at present engaged in the cu — cu 

Mary. Culinary department? 

Martha [meekly). Yes, miss. 

Jessie [having put on her bonnet, which she has taken from 
piano and gathered up her work). Please tell your mstress, that 

1 shall be most happy to return in time for tea. [Kisses Mary. 
Exit, R. B.) 

Mary [returning froin l. b.). Martha, why do you look so un- 
happy. Don't you find your place comfortable ? 

Martha. Well, Ma-am — missus is very kind, and there's 
plenty to eat and drink, and no more work but what I can do 
easy, but — [Twisting the corner of her aprott.) 



THE LADIES Of CRANFORD. 7 

Mary [seating her?.elf again and seiving). But what, Martha? 

Martha [sniffing). It seems so hard of missus, not to let me 
have any followers ; there's such lots of young fellows in the 
town ; and many a one has offered to keep company with me ; I 
may never get in such a likely place again, an' it's like wasting a 
good opportunity — it is miss. [Cries.) 

Mary. I wouldn't take it so to heart, Martha. 

Martha. Many a girl as I knows, would have 'em unbe- 
knownst to missus ; but I've given my word, an' I'll stick to it. 

Mary. That's right, Martha. 

Martha. An* such a capable kitchen for hidin' 'em. There's 
such good dark corners. I counted 'em up, last Sunday night, 
when I was cry in' because I had to shut the door in Jim Hearn's 
face. And him such a stiddy young man, fit for any girl. 
( Cries. ) 

Mary. There, Martha, be a good girl and don't fret. I 
think I hear Miss Matty coming. [Exit Martha, l. b.) So 
there are two love affairs in Cranford, for I believe that I have dis- 
covered Jessie's secret. However, Martha doesn't count for she 
isn't in genteel society. 

Enter Miss Matty, r. 

Miss Matty. Where is Jessie ? I hope she hasn't gone. I 
really came just as soon as the cakes were out of the oven. Did 
Martha deliver the message? 

Mary. Certainly, Miss Matty, and Jessie is coming back. 

Miss M. [sitting l. ). I think, dear, that we may expect callers, 
because one day has elapsed since your arrival, and the ladies 
will feel that you have had ample time to rest. 

Mary [aside). I should think so. A journey of fifteen miles. 

Miss M. [rising). What did you say Mary ? Fifteen miles is 
a long distance to travel in one day. 

(Miss Matty moves papers during 7iext lines.) 

Mary. And I must return these calls? 

Miss M. On the third day. I dare say your mamma has told 
you, my dear, never to let more than three days elapse between 
receiving a call and returning it ; and also that you are never to 
stay longer than a quarter of an hour. [Sits after changing 
papers. ) 

Mary. But am I to look at my watch? How am I to find out 
when a quarter of an hour has passed ? 

Miss M. You must keep thinking about the time, my dear, and 
not allow yourself to forget it in conversation. [Rising. ) Now, my 
dear, lay aside your work, and we will retire to our rooms to make 
some slight preparations for company. This cap is hardly fit to 
receive in, although it was Deborah's best. 

Mary [folding her work). Miss Matty, I have discovered a 
secret. 



8 THE LADIES OF CRANFORD. 

Miss M. And do you think, dear, that you ought to disclose 
it? 

Mary [rising). I don't know what I oug/it to do, but I am 
going to tell you, that Jessie Brown has a lover. [Lays work on 
table. ) 

Miss M. [sitting down abruptly on sofa R.). Dear — dear me ! 
A lover? Jessie Brown? 

' Mary [standing by table). Yes, a lover. An officer in the 
army, and she refused to marry him, in order to nurse that poor 
sick sister. 

Miss M. My dear, it is quite — quite exciting. And where is 
he now ? The officer, I mean. 

Mary. O, I don't know that. It is quite hopeless, 1 imagine. 

Miss M. Dear — dear me. A love affair in Cranford. It takes 
me back to my youth, when — what arn I saying, my dear? 

Mary [coming over to Miss M.). You were going to tell me 
about your lover, Miss Matty. You must have had one, you 
know. 

Miss M. [embarrassed). O, no, dear, that is — no particular 
person. Of course I had lovers like all young girls. You see, 
dear, it wasn't so strange, because I was qiiite nice looking, when 
I was young. I had very pretty hair, and not a bad mouth. 

Mary [sitting on sofa a?id takittg Miss M.'s hand). You must 
have been a perfect dear. 

Miss M. [after a short pause). Mary, my dear, I haven't told 
you the truth. There was a particular person that I thought I 
should marry, a great many years ago, and he is dead and gone 
now, — and he never knew how it all came about that I said no. 
[Pause.) Deborah knew — and I suppose it vi^as all for the best. 

Mary [stroking her hatid). Poor Miss Matty. And did you 
never see him afterward ? 

Miss M. Not for thirty years. And then M'e met. He was 
Miss Pole's cousin, but he never came to Cranford after that 
time, until the year before he died — and then he — he called on 
me — and gave me a book of poems. 

Mary. How romantic ! 

Miss M. Do you think so, my dear? Well, I don't know. 
The poetry isn't as good as Dr. Johnson's, but I prize the book 
highly. 

Mary. Who was the author? 

Miss M. A young man, dear, quite unknown, but he has done 
very well, considering his extreme youth. His name is Tennyson, 
I think, Alfred Tennyson. [Starting iip.) O, what have I been 
saying? My sister and I never spoke of the things that happened 
before Peter went away. 

Mary. Dear Miss Matty, won't you tell me about Mr. Peter. 

Miss M. It is a very sad story. I wonder if Deborah would 
like me to tell. [Goes cautiously to door l. b.) Let me close the 
door first. No— I won't risk it. ( Calls off.) Martha ! 

Martha [answeriiigoff). Yes, missus. 



THE LADIES OF CRANFORD. 9 

Miss M. I must give Martha some instructions about tea and 
make sure she does not hsten 

Enter Martha, l. b. ; business ofivalking on paper. 

Miss M. We are expecting callers, to-day, Martha, and some 
of them will probably stay to tea. See that everything is all right, 
and Martha, we will have a plate of the sponge biscuits. Bring 
the tray when I ring. 

Martha [curtsies). Yes, missus. 

Miss M. And you will be very careful, Martha, not to upset 
anything, and to make a good appearance ? 

Martha. O yes, missus. [Goi?ig, backing out, and always 
trying not to step off paper path.) 

Miss M. And, Martha? 

Martha [j-e turning). Yes, missus. 

Miss M. You are young. [Pause.) 

Martha [after a moment, curtsies). Yes, please, ma'am: two- 
and-twenty last October, please, ma'am. 

Miss M. Perhaps, sometime, Martha, you may meet with a 
young man you hke, and who likes you 

Martha. I've met him, ma'am. 

Miss M. [ignoring interruption). And if he is respectable and 
well-to-do, I have "no objection to his coming to see you ^«^^ ^ 
week. 

Martha. Please, marm, there's Jim Hearn, he's a joiner 
makin' three an' sixpence a day. He's six foot one in his stocking- 
feet, please marm, and he'll be glad enough to come to-morrow 
night, I'll be bound. 

Miss M. You can go now, Martha. [Exit Martha.) I wish 
Martha had a little more maidenly reserve. [C/oses door; returns 

to F.) 

Mary. Don't tell me about Mr. Peter, if it hurts you, dear 
Miss Matty. 

Miss M. [sitting in chair l.). My dear, I thought you knew 
about our brother. Everybody in Cranford knows how wild he 
was, always in scrapes. Poor boy, he was always so full of fun, 
and so was I. [Chuckles.) We were a pair. And Deborah — 
poor dear — she was so proper — always reading and writing letters, 
and thinking of the proprieties. Our father looked upon Deborah 
as his right hand, and our mother — well — her duty seemed to con- 
sist in getting Peter out of his scrapes. One day the boy passed 
all bounds and played a trick on the people of Cranford, that was 
discovered by my father. O, it was dreadful. My father flogged 
him in the presence of the very people he had fooled. It was 
just a harmless joke too. When my father stopped to take breath, 
Peter said — " Have you done enough, sir? " Then he made a low 
bow to the spectators quite like a gentleman and he walked off, 
and has never returned. ( IVipes her eyes.) 

Mary. Of course he is dead. 



to THE LADIES OF CRANFORD. 

Miss M. Well, I don't know. If he is, I ought to wear mourn- 
ing, and if he isn't, I ought to expect him to return at any mo- 
ment, and — I really don't know wka/ to think. 

£n/er Martha, l. b, 

Martha. Miss Barker is below, ma'am, shall she come up? 

Miss M. Certainly, Martha. My dear I mus^ change my 
cap. Will you remain ? {^Takes Mary's work; exit rapidly Vi. 
Exit Martha, l. Enter Miss Barker, l. at once.) 

Miss Barker [greeting Mary). Good-afternoon, my dear 
Miss Smith. Cranford society will be pleased to welcome you. 
Did you have a pleasant journey .'* 

Mary. Thank you, Miss Barker. The ride over was delight- 
ful. 

Enter Miss Matty, hurriedly ^ with one cap on top of the other. 

Miss M. Excuse me. Miss Barker, for keeping you waiting. 
Mary, where are my spectacles? [}AkYi\ finds them on table, and 
hands them to her.) Thank you, my dear. [To Miss Barker.) 
Pray be seated. 

Miss B. I took the liberty to call, madam, to welcome Miss 
Smith and to inquire for you. I hope, madam, you are enjoying 
good health. 

Miss M. You are very welcome. Miss Barker, and I am quite 
well, yes, quite, quite well, thank you. And you ? 

Miss B. [fanning herself). I am not as well as usual, Miss 
Jenkyns. Ihe accident to my poor Alderney has upset my 
nerves. 

^«/<?r Martha, l. b., folloived by Miss Pole rt«^i' Jessie. 

Martha [at door, announces). Miss Pole — Miss Brown. 

{Exit Martha. 

Miss M. [coining forward). How do you do? I am very 
glad to see you. [Greetings; hand-shaking.) Won't you be 
seated ? 

(Jessie sits at spinnet. Mary stands near. Miss Barker on 
sofa R. ; Miss Pole, very erect, on stiff-backed chair \.., Miss 
Matty at tea-table c. ) 

Miss M. Miss Barker was just speaking of the accident to her 
cow. 

Miss P. [to Miss Barker). How is she? The cow, I mean. 

Miss B. Thank you, madam, she is slowly recovering. 

Mary. What happened to her? 

Miss B. She fell into the lime-pit ; and O, Miss Smith, she 
was a pitiable sight, when she came out. Not a hair on her. I 
shed tears, when I beheld her, so naked, cold and miserable. 

Miss P. Much better have had her killed. 

Mary. What did you do? 

Miss B. I thought of trying a bath of oil, but our good doctor 



THE LADIES OF CRANFORD. 11 

advised me to make her a flannel waistcoat and flannel drawers, 
if I wished to keep her alive. 

(Jessie a7id Mary laugh.) 

Miss P. Have you done so ? 

Miss B. I have just finished the garments to-day, and she will 
wear them to-morrow. 

Mary and Jessie {laughing). How very droll. 

Miss B. Dark-grey flannel, and she looks very well in them. 

Miss P. I consider the whole thing ridiculous in the extreme. 
The doctor was making a fool of you. 

Miss M. Dear me ! I can't think our good doctor would — 
would make a joke of so serious a matter. 

Miss B. Indeed no. He was quite sober and dignified, and 
told me just how to cut the garments. 

Miss P. Bah ! Men will be men. My father was a man and 
I know the sex pretty well. 

Miss B. And yet madam, there are women who will marry 
them. 

Miss P. So much the worse for the women. Men are danger- 
ous creatures. 

Miss M. I don't deny, Miss Pole, that men are troublesome in 
a house, but then in an emergency, a man is very dependable. 

Miss P. Miss Jenkyns, don't talk nonsense. We ought to 
congratulate ourselves, that so far we have escaped matrimony. 
It argues great natural credulity in a woman, if she can't keep 
herself from being married. 

Miss M. ' Well. I don't know. Jessie, my dear, can't you 
play something to us ? 

Jessie. Certainly, if you wish. [Turns to spintict. Plays 
" Annie Laurie " softly.) 

(Miss M. nods to Mary, who rings bell gently. Martha appears 
at door; nods at Mary then sees Miss Matty's two caps ; cov- 
ers her face with her hand, laughs, and beckons Miss Matty 
with vehement and awkward gesture. Miss Matty glides 
out in consternation, returns ahnost immediately with cap set 
right, followed by Martha with tea-tray. Miss Matty pouts 
tea, assisted by Mary.) 

Miss M. You will let me give you some tea, Miss Betty ? 

Miss B. Thank you. (Mary passes tea.) 

Miss M. { to Jessie when she stops playing). Thank you, dear. 
That was very sweet. Now let me give, you a cup of tea. 
Martha, the cakes, please. (Martha passes cakes, awkwardly. 
Occasionally nudging a lady to, at tract attention.) 

Miss P. {to Mary who gives her a cup). No, no sugar. 

Miss B. The Hon. Mrs. Jamieson always takes two lumps of 
sugar in /^<?r tea. 

Miss M. She was probably brought up to indulge in luxuries. 



12 THE LADIES OF CRANFORD. 

Miss P. More likely she's got a sweet tooth. Have you heard 
about ihe Bank? [^;»r// Martha. 

Miss B. No. What Bank? Don't tell us that anything else 
has happened in Cranford. 

Miss P. (/^ Miss B.). The Town and County Bank. 

EnUr Martha 7ail/i two letters which she gives to Mary. Mary 
hands one to Miss Matty, who rises and comes forward. 

Miss M. Will you excuse me, ladies. [Opens letter.) It is a 
very civil invitation, asking me to attend an important meeting of 
the shareholders of the Town and County Bank. So you see, 
ladies, it is all right. I am sure it is very kind of them to remem- 
ber me. Whom is your letter from, Mary. 

Mary [seriously]. O, I am so sorry, Miss Matty. My father 
thinks the Bank is in a very bad way. 

Miss P. [standing). Stopped payment. Heard it this after- 
noon. I should say it was a serious matter. I hope you haven't 
much in the Bank, Matilda ? 

(Miss M. sits c. dismayed; Mary stands R. c, Jessie l. c, Miss 
P. stands l., Martha appears at door l. b. wiping her eyes 
with apron.) 

Miss B. [rising l.). O, Miss Matty, don't say that you are 
ruined. 

Miss M. If that bank goes wrong, I shall lose one hundred 
and forty-nine pounds, thirteen shillings, and four pence a year. 
I shall only have thirteen pounds left. 

Girls [kneeling beside her and takitig her hands). O, Miss Matty ! 

Miss P. One never knows when one is safe in these days. 

Miss B. What will you do, Miss Matty t 

Miss M. I don't know, dears. I'm not a great manager, but 
I suppose I shall get along some way. I hope it isn't wrong — 
not wicked — but oh ! I am so glad poor Deborah is spared this. 
She couldn't have borne to come down in the world. She had 
such a noble, lofty spirit. 



CURTAIN. 



ACT II. 

SCENE. — Same as Act i. Spintiet closed. Table R. F. with cloth 
■ — the table plain, rather long, with scales for weighing, tumblers 
filled with colored candy, lozenges, peppermints, acid drops, etc. 
Box or chest of tea, beside table to f. Chair for Miss Matty, 
and any little accessories to make r. side of roojn look like a shop. 
Desk on table. The paper path now extends to this table and 
across the F. for customers to sta?td upon. Martha discovered 
dusting room. Broom and dustpan on chair L. 

Martha [at counter, r.). Well, now, missus do seem real 
happy, and the bit things to sell takes up the poor dear lady's 
mind. But it's lucky Jim Hearn married me so's to look after 
her, or she'd be a starvin' this blessed minute, for sellin' over- 
weight and under-price, out o' the kindness of her 'art. 

[Bell rings. Martha goes to door l. b. Enter Mary Smith.) 

Mary. How do you do, Martha ? And how is Miss Matty ? 
And where is she ? 

Martha. Dear me, miss, you do be-juggle one, with your 
questions all on top one another. Miss Matty she's well, an' 
she's in her room — an' as for I — well — I've married Jim, and 
that's all there is to it. 

Mary. But Martha 

Martha. Don't " but Martha " me 

Mary. Well ? 

Martha. I'm glad you begin with a " iveir' — 'cause that's 
how it turned out. I must allow that I took Jim Hearn, as it 
was by the collar, an' I marched him into Miss Jenkyns' parlor 
— this same parlor as you sees, and Jim was that dazed he walked 
all over the new carpet. He was that flabbergasted, he never 
said a word for himself. 

Mary. Why what did you expect him to say ? 

Martha. The great oaf! I expected him to tell missus as 
how he was a-dyin' to marry me off-hand, and that he and I 
wanted to take a boarder ! 

Mary. A boarder? 

Martha. Yes, miss, a boarder. Some body 'd got to support 
missus. And there he stood, like a great fool ; and never said a 
word ! and him an axin' and an axin' me, up to that blessed min- 
ute to set the day. Well, I set it, then and there. 

Mary. Martha, you're a trump. 

Martha. Well, I won't say as I didn't feel like sinkin* 

^3 



14 THE LADIES OF CRANFORfi. 

through the floor, when Jim held back and said, " he dare say 
he shouldn't mind, when 'twas all over, but as how marriage 
nails a man." Them's his very words. 

Mary. And still you persisted ? 

Martha. Laws yes. Jim was all right. I told missus it was 
the suddenness of the joy, as overtook him, and missus she says 
— so serious-like — " Marriage is a very solemn thing, Martha." 
Jim, he argued — but we fixed the day all right. Now you see, we 
both live here and we takes good care o' the place and Missus. 

Enter Miss Matty, r., in her bonnet and shawl. Martha ab- 
ruptly returns to her dusting. ^Iaky greets Miss Matty. 

Miss M. My dear, dear girl, have you just arrived? I am 
so glad to see you. 

Mary. Dear Miss Matty, how cosy it all seems ! 

Miss M. {whispe?ing). Did you see the sign over the door? 

Mary. 1 never noticed it. 

Martha. Hm ! Of course you wouldn't. Letters too small. 
I'd a iiad 'em good an' big. 

Miss M. Martha! {To Mary.) You see Mary, I didn't 
want to attract too much attention. Come and look. 

{They go to door's.. B., Martha following.) 

Mary, {reads). "Matilda Jenkyns, licensed to sell Tea." 
That is very modest indeed. 

Miss M. {to Mary, returning, c). I wonder if Deborah cares 
so very much — where she is, if I'm not genteel. (Martha re- 
mains at D. shaking duster.) 

Mary {giving her a kiss). O, Miss Matty. 

Miss M. There is one comfort, my dear, men never buy tea. 
I should be so afraid if one of them should come blustering in 

( Martha has stepped out of sight. Loud smack heard.) 

Miss M. Dear— dear me ! What was that ? 

Mary. What, Miss Matty. What did you hear ? 

Miss M. {her eyes round with dismay). It sounded hke 

Enter Martha, looking rosy. 

Miss M. Martha, I heard something just now — outside and it 
sounded like 

Martha. Kissin' ma'am? 

Miss M. Martha, how can you speak so lightly of so solemn a 
matter ? 

Martha. It was only Jim, kissin' me good-bye — and — please 
ma'am — we're married — you know. 

Miss M. Yes — yes I know — but somehow it — it shocks one's 
nerves a little — yes — a — little. 

Martha {aside, picking up broom and going off). The poor 
innocent ! 



THE LADIES OF CRANFORD. I5 

Miss M. [to Mary). You will make yourself at home my dear 
and excuse me while I call on our good Mr. Johnson. 

Mary. O certainly. 

Miss M. You see, I am selling so much tea, Mary, that I am 
afraid it may detract from his trade, and I want to ask him if he 
minds. I couldn't bear to injure hi/n in any way, you know. 
Good-bye, dear. \Exit l. b. 

Mary {untying bonnet). Poor dear Miss Matty. {^Removes 
bonnet, and mantilla ; puts them on spinnet. Bell rings ; Mary 
goes to door I.. B. Anter JESSIE.) 

Mary [embracing Jessie). You see, I have come back. 

Jessie. Cranford draws you like a magnet. 

Mary. Do you like it any better? 

Jessie. Well, I should not care to live here always, but, 
Mary, they are dear good people. Do you know what your old 
ladies have done ? 

Mary. You mean to help Miss Matty ? 

Jessie. Yes. - Miss Pole started it. They met at her house, 
all excepting Mrs. Jamieson, Miss Pole waited for her sometime, 
then opened the meeting thus. {Imitates Miss Pole.) " We, the 
ladies of Cranford in my drawing-room assembled, can resolve on 
something, I imagine. We are none of us what may be called 
rie/i, though we all possess a genteel competency, sufficient for 
tastes that are elegant and refined, and we would not if we could, 
be vulgarly ostentatious." Isn't that good, Mary ? 

Mary. Capital ! Well, what did they do ? 

Jessie. Do, that is the grand part. They each contributed 
what they could spare out of their yearly incomes in a sealed en- 
velope, and they have asked me to present these envelopes to you 
{gives Mary several e7ivelopes) in order that your father may take 
charge of the affair, and give the money to Miss Jenkyns in such a 
way that she shall never know from whence it comes. 

Mary {wiping her eyes). The dear old ladies. {Puts letters in 
piano.) Jessie, do they ever say anything here about Miss Matty's 
brother Peter? 

Jessie. Not a word. 

Mary. Do you know what I've done? 

Jessie. No, what? 

Mary. I've written to him. 

Jessie. How do you know whether he is alive? 

Mary. I don't. 

Jessie. Or where to address the letter? 

Mary. I didn't. 

Jessie. Then what do you expect to come of it ? 

Mary. I don't know. 

{Bell rings ; Martha enters R. y.., goes to doorh. B.) 
Martha. A customer, miss. [Exit Martha, l. b. 

{^Enter Jenny with large bouquet; walks on paper path to 



l6 THE LADIES OF CRANfFORO. 

counter; stops in front. Mary darts behind table ; Jessie 
laughs. ) 

Jenny {bobbing curtsey). Granny sent these posies, please 
ma'am, and said as how she'd hl:e a pound o' tea. 

Mary {taking fiowers). Are these flowers for Miss Jenkyns ? 
Jenny. Aye, they be. 
Mary. Jessie, come help me. 

[Business of weighing tea. Jessie puts flowers in glass on table. 
Bell rings. ) 

Martha [announces). Miss Pole — Mrs. Forrester. 

(Mary and Jessie cotne forward. Greet ladies. Jessie returns 
and inakes up package of tea. Ladies politety ignore the shop 
during entire call. Miss Pole sitting l. and never looking 
toward table R. Business with child in paying for tea, etc., 
during following conversation.) 

Miss P. [greeting MkWi). When did you come ? 

Mary. I have just arrived. 

Mrs. F. What did you say, dear, came yesterday ? 

Mary [louder). No, to-day, Mrs. Forrester. 

Mrs. F. Eh ! 

Mary. To-day. [Offers chairs i.. e.\ sit.) 

Mrs. F. [to Mary). I hoped to find you, my dear. [Patting 
Mary's hand and whisperittg.) A little matter of business, you 
understand ? 

Mary [nodding). All right. 

Miss Pole. Where is Matilda ? 

Mary. Miss Matty will be here directly. By the way. Miss 
Pole, Jessie and I were just speaking of Mr, Peter Jenkyns. What 
was the very last thing heard of him ? 

Miss P. Several years ago, Miss Smith, we heard that he was 
elected Great Lama of Thibet, whatever that may be. 

Mrs. F. What did you say? Whom were you speaking of? 

Mary [loudly to Mrs. F.). Mr. Peter. 

Mrs. F. O yes. Peter Jenkyns. He was elected Great Lama 
of something. Do you think the veiled prophet in Lalla Rookh 
was meant for the Great Lama ? 

Miss P. Nonsense, Mrs. Forrester. I don't believe there's a 
word of truth in the report. A llama is a beast of burden. 

Mrs. F. a beast did you say? O, no. Peter was quite the 
gentleman, and not so ugly either only for his freckles. 

Miss P. I said, a llama was a beast. 

Mrs. F. What kind of a beast. Miss Pole? 

Miss P. Well, I'm not sure. I don't know whether they are 
carnivorous or^ 

Martha [announces l. b.). Miss Barker. 

Mary [meeting her). How do you do, Miss Barker. (Miss 



The ladies of cRANFORt). 17 

B. bows to Jessie. Mary offers chair.) Miss Matty will be here 
presently. 

Mrs. F. Perhaps Miss Barker can tell us about the llama. 
Whether he is a carnivorous or [hesitates.) 

Miss P. A graminivorous beast? 

Miss B. {hesitating). 1 — I — am sure, ladies, that the Hon. 
Mrs. Jamieson would know. 

Miss P. But she isn't here. 

Mrs. F. I always get confused between carnivorous and 
graminivorous, just as I do between horizontal and perpendicular. 
\Rising and speaking apologetically.) But then in my day the only 
use people made of four syllabled words was to teach one how to 
spell them. Mary, my dear. {yiKV.\ follows R. F.) 

Mrs. F. (/c; Jessie/ aside). Miss Jessie, have you given Mary 
the envelopes ? 

Jessie. Indeed yes. 

Mary. It is so kind of you all. 

Mrs, F. [trembling and tearful). My dear I — I came to tell 
you, that — that the amount of my contribution is very, very small, 
but my dear so is my income — and — my love and regard for Miss 
Matty — are not at all in proportion to my gift. I gave, my dear, 
every penny I could spare, and — and not sutler — privation. 

Mary [patting her hand). It is very noble of you, dear Mrs. 
Forrester. 

Mrs. F. I do so wish I was rich. Good-bye, dear. Good-morn- 
ing. ( To Miss Pole attd Miss Barker, ivho have been conversing 
with each other. Exit L. B, ) 

Miss B. The Hon. Mrs. Jamieson once said she believed a 
great Lama was a sort q{ prince. 

Miss P. Prince or no prince, if Peter Jenkyns is on the face of 
this earth, he ought to come home and take care of his sister. 

Mary. But when was it, you heard that Mr. 

Enter Miss Matty, l. b. meeting Jenny going out with pack- 
age of tea. 

Miss M. How do you do, Jenny. Some more tea, for Granny? 

Jenny [with curtsey). Yes, Miss. 

Miss M. [to Jenny). Good-bye, dear. O, Miss Pole, how do 
you do, and Miss Barker. [Shakes hands.) 

Mary. And Jessie ? 

Miss M. And Miss Jessie. I am sorry to have been delayed. 
[To Mary.) It is all rigiit, my dear. Mr. Johnson doesn't object 
in the least. ( 7i7 Miss Pole.) Have you been here long? 

Miss P. Only the matter of a few minutes. 

Miss M. And, Mary, you are sure that you gave the child 
good measure? [Removing bonnet.) 

Mary. Jessie weighed the tea. 

Miss M. I always put in a little extra, for fear the scales may 
be incorrect. [Puts bonnet and shawl on piajio.) 



THE LADIES OF CRANFORD. 



£ri/cr 'Martha, l. b. 



Martha. A gentleman to see Miss Jessie. 

Miss M. A gentleman? Where is he? 

Miss P. h. gentleman, did you say? 

Martha. I said so, ma'am, and he's in the dining-room. 

Jessie. O Mary, can it be? It can't be? 

Mary [leading ]^ss>\'E.). It can be, Jessie, and it isl 

Martha. This way, miss. [To door R. b. Exit Jessie. 
Mary waves hand and returns.^ 

Miss P. [to Miss Matty). I hope it's all right. 

Miss B, It's a great many years, since any one received a 
gentleman caller in Cranford. 

Miss M. You are sure he is 2i gentleman, Martha? 

Martha {returning to door l. b.). Indeed, ma'am, it's my 
opinion he's niore than a gentleman. 

Miss P. What rt't?^.^ she mean ? 

Martha. I means, ma'am, that he's got the look of a sodjer 
about him, aye, an* an orficer, too. 

Miss P. Goodness gracious! W^hat's going to happen next? 

{Bell rings. Martha ?neets Mrs. Purkis and little Susan ai 
door L. B. ) 

Martha {announces). Customers, ma'am. 

[Exit Martha, l. b. 

Miss M. {to Mrs. Purkis, who advances on paper path, pushing 
little Susan along in front). How do you do, Mrs. Purkis? 

Mrs. p. Right hearty, ma'am, an' I hope you're the same. 

Miss M. And this is little Susan. {Patting her on the head.) 
Are you well, dear? 

Susan {bobbing curtsey). Yes, ma'am, thank you, ma'am, I 
do be right well. 

(Mrs. Purkis nudges Susan, who hangs her head and seems shy.) 

Mrs. Purkis. Speak up now, Susan, like a lady. 

Susan {offering basket of apples). Please ma'am — ifitdunnot 
be takin* a liberty will ye be so kind as to — as to 

Mrs. Purkis. Go on Susan, ye're doin' fine. 

Susan. as to accept of these apples growed in our garden. 

Miss M. Thank you, my dear Uttle girl, that was very prettily 
said. Did you hear, Mary ? 

(Miss P. and Miss B. again converse, L. F., always conscious of 
transactions, but apparently oblivious.) 

Mary {talmig apples, which she places on table). Good child ! 

Mrs. Purkis {to Miss Matty, who goes behind table). And 
here. Miss Jenkyns, is the matter of a few new-laid eggs. My old 
man sends 'em, an' hopes they'll strengthen ye, he do. 

Miss M. {taking eggs). My friends are so kind, Mrs. Purkis. 
Now what can I do for you ? 



The ladies of cranford. 19 

Mrs. Purkis. Well, if you don't mind, Miss Jenkyns, I would 
liken a pound o' that good green tea. 

Miss M. So soon, Mrs. Purkis ? Don't you think you are using 
a great deal of tea? It is so unwholesome to drink too much — 
and then^r^<?;/ tea is the most injurious as well as the most expen- 
sive. 

Mrs. Purkis. I know, ma'am, but we are that fond of it. 

Mary. Miss Matty, let me get the tea. 

(Mary takes Miss Matty' s place behmd table. Miss M. returns 
to guests. Mary makes business of weighing tea, taking 
7Jioney, etc.) 

Miss P. [to Miss B.). Of course there may be something in it. 

Miss B. Mrs. Jamieson said, only yesterday, that she thought 
it about time that Jessie Brown left off her dimples, and stopped 
trying to look young, for she'd never get a husband in Cranford. 

Miss P. Stuff and nonsense. I don't believe that she wants a 
husband. 

Miss M. I am sorry to be so interrupted 

Miss P. [rising). I came to borrow your receipt for sponge bis- 
cuit. Miss Matty. 

Miss M. O, yes, it is all ready for you. Let me see— O, yes, I 
put it under the peppermint lozenges. 

[Gets receipt for MisS Pole.) 

Miss B. [rising). Miss Jenkyns, I hope you will not think it 
presumptuous in me, that is 

Mary [to little Susan). An ounce of almond paste, did you 
say? 

Susan (<:«r/5<?7j). Yes, miss. {M-KKY weighs paste .) 

Miss B. My former occupation considered, will you. Miss 
Matty, excuse the liberty 

Miss M. [distracted between guests and ctistomers). Put in an 
extra piece, Mary. 

Mary. But it weighs too much now. 

Miss M. I know, but the little dears love it so. 

Miss P. It's very indigestible. 

Miss B. I wish, madam, to invite you and of course Miss 
Smith, as she is here, to a card party at my house on Tuesday 
next. 

Miss M. [curtseying). We shall be most happy to accept. 
[Hurries to table, empties contents of tumbler into Susan's hands, 
who is just departing with her mother.) Here, dear, these pepper- 
mints will keep the almond paste from disagreeing with you. 
Good-bye, dear. \ExeuntViVi^. P. ^;/^/ Susan, l. b. 

Miss B. And you, Miss Smith? 

Mary [curtseyijig). I shall be most happy to come. Miss Barker. 

Miss B. Miss Pole has already accepted. 

Miss M. [retimting from door i.. b.). Mrs. Jamieson is coming, 
I think you said. 



20 THE LADIES OF CRANFORD. 

Miss B. I did not say so. But it is a fact. Mrs. Jamieson 
most kindly and condescendingly said she would be happy to 
come. One little stipulation she made, that she should bring Carlo. 
I told her that if I had a weakness it was for dogs. 

Miss P. I hate dogs. 

Miss M. And Mrs. Forrester, of course? 

Miss B. I am going to ask Mrs. Forrester. Although her cir- 
cumstances are changed, madam, she was botii a Tyrrell. But, 
of course, I could not think of asking her until I had asked you, 
madam, the rector's daughter, madam. 

Miss M. Mrs. Fitz-Adams — I suppose — 

Miss B. No, madam. I must draw the line somewhere. Mrs. 
Jamieson would not, I think, like to meet Mrs. Fitz-Adams. She 
is hardly fit society for such ladies as Mrs. Jamieson and Miss 
Matilda Jenkyns. i^Low bow to Miss Matty.) 

Miss P. Miss Betty told me it was to be a choice and select 
few. 

Miss M. So I understand. 

[Durifig following lines of Miss B. enter in single fie Susan, 
James aw^^ Jennie, l. b., walk on tiptoe to front of counter arid 
stand facing counter, expectant. ) 

Miss B. May I beg you to come as near half-past six, to my 
little dwelling, as possible. Miss Matilda? Mrs. Jamieson dines at 
five, but has kindly promised not to delay her visit beyond that 
time — half-past six. 

(Miss Barker makes deep curtsey to Miss Matty, luko also 
curtseys, while Miss Pole a7id Mary, o7ie l. tlie other R., also 
curtsey. Miss Matty sees children, and recovering herself, 
hurries behind the counter, with a faijit "Excuse me, ladies," 
and Martha at the same time enters precipitately at R., and 
with both hands on etid of counter, facing audiejice, speaks mys- 
teriously to Miss Matty. The children stand as in illustration 
page 266 of the novel. ) 

Martha. Missus, I thought as how I ought to tell you seein' 
as it's a happenin' in your house. 

Miss B. What is it? 

Miss M. O, Martha, not robbers? 

Miss P. Is the house on fire? 

Martha. No, by no means, ma'am. But that orficer man, 
he's got his arm around Miss Jessie's waist ! 

Miss P. O, goodness me ! 

Miss B. Madam, how dreadful! 

Miss M. {smiling and looking very wise). My dears, I really 
believe it is the most proper place in the world for that gentleman's 
arm to be in. 

{All look astonished but Mary, who claps her hands.) 

QUICK CURTAIN. 



ACT III. 

SCENE. — Miss Barker's parlor. Plainly furnished, not so many 
signs of past elegance as in Miss Matty's room. Piano across 
B. c. Door L. F. Table R. C. Small stand R. F. Large arm- 
chair with footstool L. F. A large screen across l. b., behind 
which the ladies remove wraps and bofinets, and prepare for the 
evenittg. Bring caps in oldfashioned band-boxes. The calash is 
worn over the cap. A mirror tnay be hung on wall L. , behind 
screen; all arratiged so that the audience can see the prinking. 
Chairs R. f. and about room. Door'K. b. Candelabras on piano 
and table, two tall candlesticks on ma7itel R. One candle lighted. 
Miss Betty discovered givifig directions to Peggy. 

Peggy. The parlor do look beautiful, missus. 

Miss B. O, Peggy, how careless ; that candle has burned too 
long. (Peggy darts at candle, and blows it out.) Now hurry, 
Peggy, and light the other one. If they are uneven, the ladies 
might think we only burned one when we were alone. 

Peggy [lighting candle). O, ma'am, they'd never be that dis- 
cernin'. 

Miss B. Is the supper all right ? 

Peggy. Indeed, ma'am, it's coom out fine. 

Miss B. [smili}ig). And the Httle Cupids, how do they look? 

Peggy. Them macaroons has sopped the brandy, till it just 
makes your mouth water to look at 'em. [Smacks lips.) 

Miss B. Then everything is ready. Now get your spill and at 
the first knock, light the candles. 

( Peggy gets lamp-lighter; knocking heard. Peggy starts to door L. ) 

Miss B. O, wait, Peggy, wait till I've run upstairs and washed 
my hands. (Peggy returns, lights taper at burning candle and 
proceeds to light others.) When I cough, open the door. I'll not 
be a minute. 

[Exit Miss B. , r. Knocking heard again. Miss Barker coughs. 
Peggy stands C, smiling; at sound of cough darts to door J.. 
Ushers in Miss Pole andyiKS. Forrester.) 

Peggy. This way, ladies. 

[Shows them to space behind screen. Mrs. ¥ okkkstek wears a 
calash, which she removes. MisS Pole brings cap in band- 
box. Removes bonnet and adjusts cap at mirror. Meantime 
Miss Barker re-enters parlor R. and sits chairs, stately and 
composed. ) 

21 



22 THE LADIES OF CRANFORD. 

Peggy [announces). Miss Pole — Mrs. Forrester. 
Miss P. After you, ma'am. 

(Mrs. F. enters first. Exit Peggy, l.) 

Miss B. [rising). Good-evening, ladies. 

Mrs. F. and Miss P. [making deep curtseys). Good-evening. 

(Miss Barker offers chair ?iext to large armchair to Mrs. F. 
Miss Pole sits in armchair.) 

Miss B. Not there, dear Miss Pole, not there. Allow me. 
Miss P. [rising abruptly). O ! 

Miss B. [offering another chair). The seat of honor — ahem — 
Mrs. Jamieson, you know. 

Miss P. Excuse me. [Sits in chair offered.) 

[Knock ijtg heard.) 

Miss B, Miss Jenkyns is a little late. I particularly mentioned 
half after six. 

(Peggy ushers Miss Jenkyns and Mary behitid screen; same 
business of preparation.) 

Miss P. I think she has arrived. 

Miss B. I do hope Mrs. Jamieson will not keep us waiting. 
The evenings are so short. 

Peggy [announces). Miss Jenkyns — Miss Smith. [Exit l. 

Miss B. [greeting guests). Good-evening, ladies. Delighted, I 
am sure. 

[Offers chairs. Miss Jenkyns sits beside Mrs. F., Mary near 
Miss P., r.) 

Miss B. Now there is only Mrs. Jamieson to come. 

Mary [timidly). And Jessie Brown? 

Miss B. And Miss Jessie, of course. 

INIiss P. What do you think, Miss Matty, what do you think of 
that proceeding at your house the other day ? 

Miss M. In regard to Miss Jessie? Well, I— I think she is go- 
ing to marry 

Mrs. F. [intei-rupting). Eh— Marry ? Miss Jessie? 

Miss M. [sloiuly to Mrs. F.). Yes. Mrs. Forrestei', I think 
Jessie Brown is engaged to be married to Major Gordon, an officer 
in her majesty's service. 

Miss P. Don't you know. 

Miss M. Ask Mary. 

Mary. It is true. The engagement was announced to-day. 

Miss B. Dear, dear me ! Two people that we know, going to 
get married. 

Miss M. It's coming very near. 

Miss P. So near, that my heart stops beating. 

Miss M, One doesn't know whose turn may come next. 

Miss P. Pshaw! [KtwckiJig.) 



THE LADIES OF CRANFORD. 1^ 

(Peggy ushen in Miss Jessie, ivho throws off Jicr wrap, glances 
in mirror, and enters at once, all the ladies expectant. ) 

Peggy. Miss Jessie Brown. [Exit Peggy. 

£';//^r Jessie ; Miss B. meets her, C. Deep curtseys. 

Miss B. My dear miss, you are very welcome. Let me here 
and now, my dear young lady — offer you my humble congrat- 
ulations. 

Miss J. [glancing at Mary). Thank you, indeed, Miss Barker, 
you are very kind. 

Miss P. [rising). And mine, Miss Jessie. 

Mrs. F. [rising). And mine. 

Miss M. [risi7ig). You know, dear, you have mine. 

Jessie. Ladies, you overwhelm me. You are very, very kind. 

[Escapes to Mary, r. f. All sit.) 

Mrs. F. And when is it to be, my dear? The wedding I 
mean. 

Jessie. Major Gordon says in one month from now. 

Miss P. You take my breath away. 

Miss B. Shall you live in Cranford? 

Jessie. O no. Major Gordon returns to India in six weeks. 

Miss M. And Cranford is to lose a charming young lady. 

Miss B. But she still has 

Peggy [announces loudly). The Hon. Mrs. Jamieson. 

Enter Mrs. J. tvith slow and stately tread, leading Carlo on a 
string. All rise. 

Miss B. [with deep curtsey). And now my little dwelling is in- 
deed honored. [All curtsey.) 

Mrs. J. [slowly). Good-evening, ladies. 

[Glances about with eyeglass. Miss Barker indicates armchairt 

L. F.) 

Mrs. J. Shall I sit here ? 

Miss B. If it so pleases you, dear madam. 

Mrs. J. And Carlo? 

Miss B. [anxiously). Would he like an armchair? 

Mrs. J. O, no. He can sit on my lap for the present. 

[All sit as soon as Mrs. J. has made herself comfortable.) 

Mrs. J. [putting up her eyeglass). Is that Jessie Brown? 

Miss B. It is, Mrs. Jamieson. 

Mrs. J. Her dimples have carried the day — eh? 

[All smile: a little titter. Enter Ve.ggy , doorK., with tray and 
tea things which she places on table. Miss Barker arranges 
teacitps.) [Exit Peggy, r. 

Miss M. [to Mrs. J.). We have all been congratulating Miss 
Jessie on her engagement. 



24 THE LADIES OF CRANFORD. 

Mrs. J. [drawling). Well— I— don't know, India is very un- 
healthy. Lie down', Carlo. {Pids Carlo 07i floor.) 

Enter Peggy iviiJi small tray, and plates on which are oysters and 
biscuits, ready to serve. 

Miss B. What have we here, Peggy ? 

Peggy. Oysters, ma'am. 

Miss B. Oysters? Shell-fish— O yes. [Takes a plate herself 
and passes Z/ /^ Mrs. Jamieson. V^GGX passes to others.) Allow 
me, madam, to serve you, myself. 

Mrs. J. Oysters? No, thank you, Miss Barker, I have just 
dined. 

Miss B. Will you not honor my humble abode, madam, by 
tasting them ? 

Mrs. J. No. [Ex amini7ig the plate with eyeglass.) No, thank 
you, they look very nice, but I have dined. 

Miss B. Mrs. Jamieson has just dined, ladies. If you will ex- 
cuse me, I will order a more tempting dish for Mrs. Jamieson. 
Peggy — bring some little Cupids. 

{Y^QQX passes plate to Mrs. J., on which are two macaroons.) 

Mrs. J. [accepting). Thank you. [Nibbles macaroons.) 

(Mary, Jessie and Miss P., r. f. All are served. Miss 
Barker sits at tea-table, pouring tea.) 

Miss B. My dear Mrs. Jamieson, will you take sugar and 
cream in your tea ? 

Mrs. J. Two lumps of sugar, Miss Barker, but no cream. I 
never take cream. 

Miss B. O, excuse me. 

(Peggy passes tea to Mrs. J., taking away plate. Passes tea to 
others. Carlo barks.) 

Miss B. O, the poor 'ittie doggy — I'm forgetting him. Would 
he like some supper? 

Mrs. J. Just pass me an extra saucer — if you please. (Peggy 
brings saucer.) Put it there. [Indicates floor, c.) Now the 
cream-jug. (Peggy brings Jug.) 

Mrs. J. [pointing to saucer). Now fill the saucer. (Peggy 
pours little.) Fill it up — fill it up. Carlo is very fond of cream. 
[Feggy Pours more. Carlo laps it.) 

Peggy [returning jug to Miss B.). Do you mind that, 
ma'am ? 

Miss B. [shaking head at V.). Sh — it's all right, Peggy. [Sigh- 
ing.) It's all right. 

[All drink tea ; V^GQX passes cakes to Mrs. J.). 

Mrs. J. [examining plate). Seed cakes always remind me of 



THE LADIES OF CRANFORD. 25 

scented soap. However, I'll take one, if you please. Here, 
Carlo. {Gives bit to dog.) 

Miss P. {to Jessie). I can't match that pink shade of Shetland 
wool anywhere. 

Jessie. My uncle keeps a shop in Edinboro' 

Miss B. {hastily interrupting, while all cast dismayed glances at 
Mrs. J., who is throwing bits of cake to Carlo). My dear Miss 
Jessie, can't you give us some music. [Aside.) Peggy, take 
Miss Jessie's cup. 

Miss M, Do, dear, do give us some music. 

Jessie. Certainly, in a moment. (T^ Miss Pole.) My uncle 
has a fine assortment of Shetland wools. I will send for the shade 
you want. [Rises.) 

Miss B. Will you sing? Miss Smith will play for you, I am 
sure. 

(Mary^^^^ to piano, ]kssi^ sings " Jack O' Hazledean," stand- 
ing, R. F. Ladies beat time, some of them off the ?neasiire. 
Peggy quietly removes tray, etc., during song, entices Carlo 
away, carrying him off, R. B. Brings pack of cards and places 
on table R. at close of song.) 

Miss B. Thank you, my dear miss. Now how shall we make 
a pool. { Counting ladies. ) 

Miss Smith. Leave me out, please. Miss Barker. 

Jessie, And me, too. I really do not know the game. 

Mrs. F. Eh. What is it? Preference? 

Miss B. / will look on, ladies. For really I can't tell Spadille 
from Manille. 

[Heavy snore heard. Mrs. J. is fast asleep.) 

Miss B. Sh. We will not disturb Mrs. Jamieson. [Takes 
candle to small table, R. F.) Young ladies, perhaps you can 
amuse yourselves with some books. Here is Pickwick. (Peggy 
brings book.) Or cribbage. (Peggy brings cribbage board.) 

[The four ladies, Miss P., Miss M., Mrs. F., andMiss B. settle 
themselves at card table, r. c. Shuffle and deal cards. Play 
excitedly, nodding heads vigorously. See illustration, page 122.) 

Miss B. It is very gratifying to me, very gratifying indeed to 
see how completely Mrs. Jamieson feels at home in my poor little 
dwelling. [Loud snore.) She could not have paid me a greater 
compliment. 

Mrs. F. Ombre and Quadrille. 

Miss M. Jack's up. 

Miss P. A fig for his heels. 

Miss B. Hush, ladies— if you please— hush. Mrs. Jamieson 
is asleep. [To Mrs. F. /;/ loud ivhisper, jnaking motions with lips.) 
I said — hush— if you please, hush— Mrs. Jamieson is asleep. 
[Loud snore. Ladies coiitinue to play.) 

Mary (to Jessie). Are you glad to leave Cranford ? 



26 THE LADIES OF CRAWFORD. 

Jessie. Glad, and sorry. They have been very kind to me 
here. I shall like to come back. 

Mary. Yes, Cranford is a good place to visit. And some- 
times, [archly] things happen— even here. 

Miss P. Basto, ma'am, you have Spadille. 

Mrs. J. [rousing). Eh. What did you say? 

Enter Peggy zuith tray co7itai)iing decanter and glasses. Ladies 
throw down cards. Peggy places tray on table. 

Miss B. [rising). Wiiat have we now, Peggy? 

Mrs. J. The room is so light. I was glad to close my eyes. 

Miss B. [jwnring glass of cherry brandy). Allow me Mrs. 
Jamieson. It is quite harmless, I assure you. Just a little home- 
made cherry brandy. (Mrs. J. accepts glass.) 

Miss M. [refusing). No, no, I thank you. 

Mrs. F. Cherry brandy? I think not, thank you! 

Miss B. O, please, just a leetle, leetle glass, ladies. After 
oysters, you know. Shell-fish are sometimes thought unwhole- 
some. 

Miss M. [relenting). Then a very, very little drop. 

[All accept, and sip, quackle and choke.) 

Miss P. It 's very strong. I do believe there's spirit in it. 

Miss B. Only a little drop, just necessary to make it keep. 

Miss M. We put brandy paper over preserves to make them 
keep. 

Miss B. I often feel quite tipsy myself, from eating damson 
tart. 

Mrs. J. [having swallowed the contents of her glass, afid rumi- 
nated for a moment). My sister-in-law, Lady Glenmire, is coming 
to stay with me. 

All. Indeed. 

Peggy [at door l.). Sedan chair for Mrs. Jamieson. 

Mrs. J. [slowly rising). Miss Barker, will you tell your maid to 
bring Carlo. 

\Exit Peggy r., re-enters with Carlo. Goes behind screen. 

Mrs. J. Good-night. I have passed a very pleasant evening. 
[Slow curtsey.) Good-night. 

[Exit Mrs. J. behind screen. 

All [rise and curtsey). Good-night. 

Miss B. [aside to ladies). I really think she means it. I think 
she //«5 enjoyed herself. Very gratifying, indeed. 

\Exit Mrs. J. door, l. 

Miss B. Shall we ha\e another game of cards, ladies? 

Miss M. Isn't it too late ? 

Mrs. Y . I'm afraid it is. » 

Miss P. It must be nearly nine o'clock. 

V^GGX[atdoor\..). Mrs. Forrester's maid. 

Miss B. [to Mrs. F.). Your maid has come for you. 



THE LADIES OF CRANFORD. 27 

Mrs. F. My maid. I must go directly. 

Miss B. Shall you walk, Mrs. Forrester? 

Mrs. F, O, yes. I prefer to walk, the air is so refreshing. 

Miss M. And the stars are so bright. 

Vkgg\ [at door). Fll tell her. 

Martha [outside). No you won't. Fll tell her myself. 

Enter Martha, breathless, carrying a large lantern. 

Martha [to Miss Matty, ivho stands c). O, missus, come 
home, come home. There's a gintleman to see you. 

Miss M. A gentleman? To see me? At this time o' night? 
O, Martha, you must be mistaken. 

[Consternation. Mary slips behind screen and gets Miss M.'s 
bonnet and shawl. ) 

Miss B. O— 

Mrs. F. Dear me. 

Miss P. What can she mean ? 

Martha. It's true as gospel. He's a sittin' in missus' parlor 
this blessed minute, an' he said I was to bring her as quick as 
ever I could. 

Miss M. O, dear, what shall \ do? 

Miss P. Do, Miss Matty. Get your bonnet on, and go home 
as fast as ever you can, and see what it means. 

Miss B. I hope, madam, that you will find nothing wrong. 

Miss M. Mary, my dear, where are you? 

Mary [approaching with wraps). Here, Miss Matty. 

Miss M. O, do you think, my dear, that — that my brother can 
have returned ? 

Mary. We will go and see. 

Miss M. Martha, is he a young msin, — straight and tall, with 
very black hair ? 

Martha. Laws, no, missus. He's risin' seventy an' his hair's 
as white as snow. 

Miss M. [decidedly). Then it can't be Peter. 

Martha. Yes, it can, ma'am. 

Miss P. What do you mean, Martha? 

(Mary rt;^^^ Jessie, r. c, are hastily dressing Miss M., c. who is 
very agitated, Martha, l. c. Miss P., r., Mrs. F. ^;/^/Miss 
B., l. Vkggy peeking in door.) 

Martha. The gentleman said, ma'am, as how I was not to 
startle missus, or to speak sudden, but to break it to her gently 
and just say, " Peter's come back,'' an' then to bring her home as 
fast as ever I could. 

Miss M. O, do you hear, my dear friends, do you hear? My 
brother has returned. My brother Peter has come back. My — 
[bursts into tears and sits abruptly c.) 

Mary. There, there. Miss Matty. 



28 THE LADIES OF CRANFORD. 

Jessie. We will take you home, dear Miss Matty. 

Miss B. Calm yourself, madam, calm yourself. 

Mrs. F. Dear, dear ! To think that now you will have some 
one to take care of you. 

Jessie. And at last, there will be a man in Cranford. 

Miss P. A man in Cranford. It will be a great experiment. 

Miss M. [rising ; quite composed). I know, my dears. I know 
' — but, O, I am sure we shall all find it very comforting. 

CURTAIN. 



TWO NEW PLAVS FOR LADlfi^. 



BREEZY POINT. 

A Comedy in Three Acts, for Female Characters only. 

By BELLE flARSHALL LOCKE. 

Thirteen female characters. Scenery easy, costumes modern. A val- 
3le addition to the very small list of plays of this character long 




'Rebecca's Triumph, 
ous incident even more abundant. 

Price «5 C«»t»- 



SYNOPSIS: 

ATT I— "At Breezy Point." Ready for visitors. "A mixed bokay.'' A 
nwstery of eightfen years. A feminine invasion. The loye-sick butcher 
The French maid. Language lessons. A secret. Fast friends. A bunch 
of roses AunrDebby. ^Patent medicine The gypsy Telling fortunes. 
' You're better off not tohear it— better off." The clue. 

ACT II -In camp. Washing dishes. French diplom?.cy. The hay 
ride'^''?he karSscr" t?h twins. A°snap-shot. ."W^-'t },Vf ii?Ue ^e^aKs'/" 
and unpopped questions. A Q^iaint visitor. "Sa^nanthy s little weakness. 
Tata rrh snuff. The elder's courtship. Black Donald s ghost, ine gypsy 
aeafn A peep into the past. Girls fishing. Fantme's elopement. The 
letted' Ashrael's discovery. "That French fiend has stolen my beau! " A 
nhance to rise. "Nofooliu'." Following the clue. . o^ 

ACT III -Breezy Point again. Making cake. The twins again. Ston- 
ing raisins An interlude. "Bridget Ann Burke, never speak to me no 
m?re'' An interruption. The best lay. The elder's proposal. Mehitibles 
photograph A "symbolical'' picture. Aunt Debby's return Ashrael's 
?evenfe Good news. "Yes, Elinor, your father awaits his child." The 
mystefy soWed. The prince in the fairy-.tale. The clue run to earth. 



A Chinese Dummy. 

A FARCE IN One Act, for Female Characters only. 

By MARIAN D. CAMPBELL. 

Author of "An Open Secret." 

Sneoiallv written for performance at Radcliffe College, Cambridge. 
Sixf?maleclaracters. Scenery, an easy interior ; costumes modern and 
Sicvcle This very successful little piece has the slenderest of plots, but 
Jffe^rs a very SnusLl variety and strength in its character drawing. Its 
dialogue and incidental humor are exceptionally good, and it was very 
successful in performance. Plays thirty to forty minutes. 

Price ....•■• 15 Cents. 



Sent, postpaid, on receipt of price, by 

BAKER, 5 HAMILTON PLACE, BOSTON, MASS. 



NEW PLAY5. 



POVERTY FLAT5. 

A Play of Western Life in Three Acts. 

By BERNARD FRANCIS MOORE. 

Author of "The Rough Rider," "The Wrecker's Daughter," Etc. 

Nine male, two female characters. Scenery easy; costumes rough fron- 
tier and modern. A very easy and effective '' border " drama, suitable for 
younger amateurs, as it has plenty of strongly marked characters, and 
lots of action. Nota soubrette play of the usual " Western " type. Irish 
and Chinese low comedy, and Irishwoman — very strong. Leading and 
"heavy" parts' very effective. Strongly recommended to the class for 
whom it was written. Plays an hour and three quarters. 

Price 15 Cents. 



SYNOPSIS : 

ACT I.— "The Rising Sun." Evening. The secret of the mine. The 
sheriff's daughter. The broken knife. Jim's storv. A frontier romance. 
Dan and the judge. AChinaman in love. The *' Ilish Queen." A game of 
cards. Four aces. " Over the liver, Duffy." A bad man. Rat soup. The 
murder. The accusation. The sheriff of " Poverty Flats." 

ACT II.— The jail Morning. An Irish deputy. A terrible night. 
The interview. A base revenge. The mystery of the knife. A wife for a 
life. "I refuse." The lynching party. 'An Irish episode. "In the name 
of the law." The judge holds court. Circumstantial evidence. The 
Chinese witness. The murderer found. " The word of a heathen." The 
proof. On the other foot. "Prisoner, you are discharged." 

ACT III.— "The Rising Sun." Night. The hold up. A determined 
man. The escaped prisoner. The pursuit. China rs. Ireland, '•ilishman 
him big bluff." The story of " Poverty Flats." The Union mine. II ink s 
diplomacv. Biddy and the judge. Thrown out of court. The outlaw. 
At bay. Win Lung to the rescue. The death of Randall. The queen of 
the camp. " An' I'll be bestee man." 



The Baby. 

A Comedietta in One Act. 

By HARRY O. OSGOOD. 



Three male, two female cliaracters. Scenery, an easy interior; cos- 
tumes modern. A very bright and amusing little comedy of the more re- 
fined sort. The absent-minded Professor and his "Henglish" servant 
are very effective, and "The Baby " literally out of sight. Plays half an 
hour. 

Price 15 Cents. 



Setit^ postpaidy on receipt of price ^ hy 

BAKER, 5 HAMILTON PLACE, BOSTON, MASS, 



NEW PLAY5. 



THE MOONSHINER'S DAUGHTER. 

A Play of Mountain Life in Three Acts. 

By BERNARD FRANCIS MOORE. 

Author of "The Wrecker's Daughter," "The Rough Rider," etc. 

Five male, three female characters. Scenery very easy ; costumes mod- 
ern and rough. An easy but telling melodrama suited for young people 
who like plenty of " go " and action, and who may have liked this author's 
" Wrecker's Daughter." Easy to get up, cast small and good throughout, 
in all respects suited for amateurs who want to do a little serious acting 
without getting beyond their depths. Plays an hour and three-quarters. 

Price 15 Cents. 



SYNOPSIS: 

ACT I.— Dave Martin's house. Gerald and the gun. The revenue 
men. A bitter past. Father and daughter. A shadow from the grave. 
The confession. "I killed him." The lost wife. " The fairy of the 
mountain." Blarney. The traitor. An enemy in the camp. A double 
motive. The price of liberty. An accidental meeting. "Be warned in 
time." A counter warning. The stranger. " My God, my husband." 
Reunited. 

ACT II.— The cave in the mountains. The midnight raid. "There's 
no such word as fail." Gerald's discovery. Dave's last offence. A Judas's 
kiss. " Too late, too late." After fourteen years. Mother and daughter. 
The " wildcat " still. A generous ganger. " I am here not to capture but 
to save." The counter-mine. For love's sake. Drawing the net. The 
meeting. An infamous bargain. A husband's arm. " Never, you devil ! " 
Foiled. 

ACT III.— In New York. An anniversary. Visions of the past. Mat- 
rimonial schemes. An enemy in the dark. "He may strike through 
those you love." An alliance. For richer and for poorer. Gerald's uncle. 
The serpent on the hearth. Chloroformed, Just "in time. " Your bullet 
pierced his heart." Revenged. 



The Man From Texas. 

A Farce in One Act. 

By BERNARD FRANCIS MOORE. 

Two male, two female characters. Costumes modern ; scenery simple. 
An easy and amusing slap-dash farce for yovmg people. The " Texan 
desperado "is a capital part. Plays twenty-five minutes. 

Price 15 Cents. 



Sent^ postpaid, on receipt of price, by 

BAKER, 5 HAMILTON PLACE, BOSTON, MASS. 



NEW PLAYS. 



Nan, the Mascotte. 

A Comedy-Drama in Four Acts. 

By GILBERT PATTEN. 

Nine male, four female characters. Scenery not difficult; costumes 
modern. An up-to-date American melodrama, full of action and interest. 
This piece was originally produced by professional talent under the title 
of " Men of Millions," and was a great success. It has been played from 
manuscript by amateurs for several seasons, but is now printed for the 
first time. Its characters are all effective and nearly all of fairly even 
prominence. Soubrette, strong lead, strong "heavy," "hayseed" and 
" dude " low comedy, and "old maid." Three men and one woman may 
"double," thus reducing cast by four people. Strongly recommended. 
Plays two and a half hours. Permission to perform must be obtained 
from the author. 

Price /35 Cents. 



SYNOPSIS: 

ACT I.— Caleb's home. Social ambitions. " Borrying." Nan, the 
mascotte. The cut finger. "If mother should see us." Laying down the 
law. An unvt'elcome return. A bitter disappointment. Her husband. 
" Yovi have not seen the last of nie ! " Deacon Smartweed and the " wid- 
der." The see-saw. The accident. "What'll the parson say?" An es- 
trangement. Flood's return. The meeting. " That blow is enough." The 
murder. 

ACT II.— In New York. Lawyer vs. doctor. The speculator. The life 
of Wall street. The mascotte. The mysterious chamber. "The man is 
mad." Nan and the dude. The real man. In society. Prompting Cupid. 
A " duck " and a "quack." Eavesdropping. An understanding. A finan- 
cial crisis. The wolf in sheep's clothing. The cat's out. Breakers 
ahead. 

ACT III.— The Deacon's visit. A changed wife. Golden Queen stock. 
The mascotte's warning. The dude and the deacon. " Dunno's I ever saw 
anythin' like that before." The lantern. "Some garden sass for Sister 
Baldwin." The red Indian. The hovir of trouble. Sacrificing her child. 
The black door. The big chief and the butler. A fateful letter. His re- 
venge. A fearful price. A ruined man. Nan to the rescue. Saved. 

ACT IV. — Back in the country. A dude sportsman. "Aweglar 
wuffian." A trial shot. " Gweat Motheth ! the hat wath on a manth head." 
The Deacon's experiences. Frackett's goat. The widow's rescue. Butted 
into matrimony. Flood's escape. A false report. A blessing in disguise. 
The secret of the room. Jimsy again. Hunted down. The arrest. Nan's 
enlightenment. For better or for worse. " What'll the parson say ? " 



An Awkward Squad. 

A Sketch in One Scene 

By ROBERT H. BAKER. 

Eight male characters, two very subordinate. A very rapid and viva- 
cious fifteen-minute sketch, suitable for vaudeville purposes, turning 
upon a timely military subject. Irish, Dutch, "hayseed" and "dude" 
comedy parts. All right. 

Price 15 Cents. 



Sent^ postpaid, on receipt of price, by 

BAKER, 5 HAMILTON PLACE, BOSTON, MAS& 



A NEW IRISH DRAMA. 



FAUQH=A= BALLAQH 

or, THE WEARING OF THE GREEN. 

A Romantic Irish Play in Three Acts. 

By BERNARD FRANCIS MOORE. 

Author of "Captain Jack," "The Irish Agent," "The Rough Rider," etc. 

Nine male, two female characters. Scenery varied but simple ; cos- 
tumes military and ragged. Another Irish drama in this author's well- 
knowu and popular style, like its predecessors easy and effective to act, 
and true and sympathetic in its presentation of Irish character. All 
characters effective, both comedy and serious. Plays a full evening. 

Price 25 Cents. 



SYNOPSIS: 

ACT I. — The wearing of the green. The patriot priest. Black Don- 
ald's courtship. The spy. Gerald and Alice. Out of exile. The hour of 
need. The Squire's plot. An vmseen witness. The man of the hour. "I 
know that I can trust you." The accusation. A counter plot. To the res- 
cue. The tables turned. The Green above the Red. 

ACT II.— The outlaw's home. An awkward squad. A soldier priest. 
Brother and sister. A discovery. Betrayed by a friend. A good smoke. 
Kitty Callahan and the ghost. Kissing a spirit. An unfortvmate substi- 
tute. "Take that for yer throuble." The captured spy. The Squire's danger. 
Alice's escape. "Let us hang the both of them." A halt. Face to face at 
last. The man of God. Good for evil. "The road lies before you^ — go !" 
The Red above the Green. 

ACT III.— The cabin in the hills. Myles ahead. Another taste of the 
spirit. Kitty's suspicions. The ghost's command. "In order to save 
yer life, I'll marry ye." The eagle and the crow. An unwelcome visitor. 
Offers of peace. The silver lining. The outlaw's wooing. Myles and the 
Squire. " Now will I bust him on the head wid a bit o' rock ? " A free 
pardon. Forgive and forget. Westward ho! The Stars and Stripes over 

ALL. 



A Black Trump. 

A "Black-Face" Comedy in Two Acts. 

By DAVIS RISDON. 

Three male, four female characters. Scenery, a simple interior; cos- 
tumes, modein and rough. An entirely unique piece of its kind, — a 
" straight" comedy of light but serious interest, written almost entirely 
for "colored" characters. A very amusing piece, full of characteristic 
darkey humor, its dialect and character-drawing being wholly excep- 
tional in truth and vigor. Recommended as a downright novelty in enter- 
tainments. Plays an hour. 

Price l~> Cents. 



Sen/, postpaid, on receipt of price, by 

BAKER, 5 HAMILTON PLACE, BOSTON, MASS, 



two NEW C0MEDIE5. 



CLOVER FARM. 

A Farce Comedy in Three Acts. 

By GILBERT PATTEN. 

Eight male, three female characters, Scenery easy, costumes modern. 
A screaming farce, full of fuu and action. The unusixal evenness of op- 
portunity that this piece offers to its actors is remarkable. There are, 
literally, no small parts. In its original production, and in subsequeut 
performances from the manuscript, it has always been a laughing tuj- 
cess. Slippery Gibbs, the burglar, and the Rev. Herbert Goodman, with 
whom he is confounded, are capital parts, and Salamander Sharp, the 
detective, a screamer. Even "the cat" is a strong part. We can fully 
recommend the piece for amateurs or professionals. Plays two and one- 
half hours. Permission to produce must be obtained from the author. 
Price 35 Cents. 



SYNOPSIS: 

ACT I.— At Clover Farm. The old cat. A parson incog. The new 
boarder. False v/hiskers. "What's your little game?" A fair swap. 
The burglar's vacation. Jennie and the Count. A son of Yale. A domes- 
tic breeze. "Here's where I make me bluff." An amateur parson. The 
veiled lady. The female detective. A little scrimmage. A French duel. 
Detective Sharp. " The untired sleuth-hound of the law." A wrong 
steer. The elopement. " It was the cat! " 

ACT II.— At the picnic. The fire-eater takes water. Scarcely a 
suicide. A desperate man. An extempore comedy. "Great Caisar! 
what a scrape!" A double misunderstanding. A bothered burglar. 
"The Ivnx-eved ferret of justice." A wrong scent. A humorous alliance. 
Jim and the pie. The tramp. "I can't — I've got my pants off!" The 
murderous Count. Explanations. Forcing her hand. Married by a 
burglar. " The never-beaten detective." The wrong man. 

ACT III.— Sunrise in the oarn-yard. On guard. Asleep at his post. 
" You have ruined our plans." A howiin' toothache. A set-back for the 
sleuth-hound. The parson himself again. Highway robbery. The ad- 
vantages of being deaf. " Don't tell me mv child is married to a nigger! " 
The last of the Count. "The blow it near killed father." Facing it out. 
Bliss and rapture. Slippery Gibbs. " Bless you my children, bless you." 



A Bachelor's Banquet, 

OR, AN INDIGESTIBLE ROflANCE. 

A Farce in One Act, 

By LEWIS D. HUMPHREY. 

Three male, three female characters. Costumes and scenery simple. 
Printed as originally produced at Radcliffe College, Cambridge. An ex- 
cellent farce of the high class popularized by Mr. Howells, its humor 
abundant but refined, its story vivacious and amusing but entirely sane 
and possible. All parts good. Plays rapidly a full hour. 

Price 15 Cents. 



Senf, foslpaid, oti receipt of price ^ by 

BAKER, 5 HAMILTON PLACE, BOSTON, MASS. 



LATEST PLAYS. 

The Old Maids' Convention 

AN ENTERTAINMENT IN ONE SCENE. 
By LAURA M. PARSONS. 

Author of "Jerusha Dow's Family Album," "The District 
School at Blueberry Corners," Etc. 



One male, twenty female characters and specialties. Costumes eccen- 
tric; scenery unimportant; can be produced on a platform without any. 
This is an excellent version of a widely popular entertainment which has 
long existed in manuscript, but is now for the first time offered in print. 
It is practically for all female characters, since Prof. Pinkerton, its one 
man, may be represented by a lady, if desired. "Pinkerton's Electric 
Transform(h)er " is a marvelous invention, whatever the sex of its dis- 
coverer, and is capable of creating great amusement. This entertainment, 
of which it is a feature, is brightly and humorously written, and moves 
along briskly to a laughable conclusion. Lots of good characters and 
opportunity for specialties. A worthy successor to the popular " Prof. 
Baxter's Great Invention." Plays an hour and a half with specialties. 
Price, .... 85 Cents. 

SYNOPSIS. 

Scene.— The Old Maids' Matrimonial Club. The Club in executive 
session. Quotations. An unpopular sentiment. The Secretary's report. 
The report of the Treasurer. " Candy kisses." The Lookout Committee. 
" Widower Goodhope." A bachelor by the name of Rigby. " I don't care 
if he hasn't a dollar." A few suggestions tov.ard the propagation of 
matrimony. The club in debate. A literary interlude. Prof. Pinkerton's 
advent. A scientific exposition. Testimonials. "Before using your 
Transform(h)er I was totally blind, and nov/ I can see my finish." The 
great invention at work. " Blonde or brunette ? " Old maids made new. 
A great success. A difficult case. Somewhat overdone. " The machine 
can make no mistake." A hard problem. " I want to be a man." The Pro- 
fessor phazed but not daunted. " Drink the stuff and pile in." An explosion 
— of laughter. 



POPPING BY PROXY 

A FARCE IN ONE ACT, 
By O. E. YOUNG. 



Two male, four female characters. Scenery easy, costumes rustic. This 
is a very amusing, if somewhat athletic farce, suitable for the young and 
robust, and likely to be popular among people who rejoice in practical 
joking and high animal spirits. It is distinctly not a drawing-rooni play, 
but is full of good, broad, boisteroiis fun, and tells a very entertainiiig 
story. Plays forty-five minutes. 

Ftice, .... 15 Cents. 



Sejif, postpaid, on receipt of price, by 

BAEEE, 5 HAMILTON PLACE, BOSTON, MASS. 



NEW PLAYS. 



^ DOWN EAST ^ 

A Comedy-Drama in Four Acts. 

By JUSTIN ADAMS. 

Author of "T'r:s5," "At ths Picket Line," Etc. 

Seven riale, thrc:; feinalo characters. Costumes rustic ; scenery varied, 
but not difficult. A.i excellent piece, full of action and interest, of the 
general character of "Joshua Whitconib " and " Old Jed Prouty." Plenty 
of "hiy-seed" comedy character, and plays briskly and to plenty of 
laughter. Has been successful in repertoire for several seasons, and for 
two years with amateurs as a manuscript play. Now free to amateurs of 
all royalties. Plays a full evening. 

Price S5 Cents. 



SYNOPSIS: 

ACT I.— The country post=office. Swapstown gossip. After the mail. 
Zeke's mare. A bicycle accident. A dog-muzzle for Deacon Perkins. 
"Do yoa want your wniskers to go inside or hang through?" Myra's 
lover. "A peck b' flour." Charley's uncle. A fortune in sight. The un- 
sealed letter. Ta3 grocery bill. "There's trickery here!" 

A.jr II. — T.13 oil honestead. Hard wood. "A nice piece ob water- 
million." A game for $50,000 stakes. The stolen letter. "Some one knows 
my secret." A laagui 1 lover. The naked truth. A human snake. The 
straight tip. A golden legacy. Turning the tables. The new will. 
"Possession is nine points of the law." 

ACT III.— The ruircd nill. Hiding the treasure. An interview. 
Turning the screw;--. Tl:e biter bit. Third hand high. The steel trap. 
A true heroine. "Wash" and the ghost. "Of two evils choose neither." 
Guilty or not guilty. The trial. A neat turn. "I've caught the thieving 
rat, an I there he i?"." 

ACT IV.— The Palmer House, Chicago. A secret mission. A fly waiter. 
"T could change it if it was a six-dollar biil." The ball rolling. The de- 
sorted wife. The mask off. A champion to the rescue. "Don't shoot — 
my hands are up." Zeke and the "elephant " The coochee-coochee girls. 
The divorce. The Ferris v/heel, Charley pays his " Bets." "A rich man 
now." Into the trap. The arrest. "No, Bets, for a lifetime, as they do 
"Down East." 

Sauce for the Goose. 

A Farce in One Act. 
By MARGARET VERB F. LIVINGSTON. 

Three male, one female character. A high-class farce full of refined 
fun, turning upon "hypnotisni." Plays briskly in about twenty minutes. 
Particularly suitable for parlor perforraance. 

Price . 15 Cents. 



Sent, postpaid, on receipt of price, by 

BAKES, 5 HAMILTON PLACE, BOSTON, MASS. 



iue20 



THE MAGISTRATE. 



A Farce in Three Acts. By Arthur W. 

PiNERO. Twelve male, four female char- 

—^ ■ ' - acters. Costumes, modern ; scenery, all 

interior. The merits of this excellent and amusing piece, one of the most popu- 
lar of its author's plays, are well attested by long and repeated runs in the 
principal American theatres. It is of the highest class of dramatic writing, and 
is uproariously funny, and at the same time unexceptionable in tone. Its entire 
suitability for amateur performance has been shown by hundreds of such pro- 
ductions from manuscript during the past three years. Plays two hours and 
a half. (1892.) 

A Drama in Four Acts. By Arthur W. 
PiNERO. Eight male and five female charac- 
ters ; scenery, all interiors. This is a " prob- 
lem " play continuing the series to which " The 
Profligate " and "The Second Mrs. Tanqueray" 
belong, and while strongly dramatic, and intensely interesting is not suited for 
amateur performance. It is recommended for Reading Clubs. (1895.) 



THE NOTORIOUS 
MRS. EBBSMITH. 



THE PROFLIGATE. 



A Play in Four Acts. By Arthur W. Pine- 
RO. Seven male and five female characters. 

-• Scenery, three interiors, rather elaborate ; 

costumes, modern. This is a piece of serious interest, powerfully dramatic in 
movement, and tragic in its event. An admirable play, but not suited for ama- 
teur performance. (1892.) 



THE SCHOOLMISTRESS. 



A Farce in Three Acts. By Arthur 
W. PiNERO. Kine male, seven fe- 
male characters. Costumes, mod- 
ern; scenery, three interiors, easily arranged. This ingenious and laughable 
farce was play^^d by Miss Rosina Vokes during her last season in America with 
great success, 'its plot is amusing, its action rapid and full of incident, its dia- 
logue brilliant, and its scheme of character especially rich in quaint and humor- 
ous types. The Hon. Vere Queckett and Peggy are especially strong. The piece 
is in all respects suitable for amateurs. (1894.) 



THE SECOND 
MRS. TANQUERAY. 



A Play in Four Acts. By Arthur W. 
PiXERO. Eight male and five female char- 
acters. Costumes, modern ; scenery, three 
interiors. This well-known and powerful 
play is not well suited for amateur per- 
formance. It is offered to Mr. Pinero's admirers among the reading public in 
answer to the demand which its wide discussion as an acted play has created. 
(1894.) Also in Cloth, $1.00. 

Arthur 



A Comedy in Three Acts. B;^ 

W. PiNERO. Seven male and four female 



SWEET LAVENDER. I 

' characters. Scene, a single interior, the 
same for all three acts ; costumes, modern and fashionable. This well known 
and popular piece is admirably suited to amatsur players, by whom it has been 
often given during the last few years. Its story is strongly sympathetic, and its 
comedy interest abundant and strong. (1893.) 



THE TIMES. 



A Comedy in Four Acts. By Arthur "W. PI^'ERO. Six 
male and seven female characters. Scene, a single ele- 
■ gant interior ; costumes, modern and fashionable. An 
entertaining piece, of strong dramatic interest and admirable satirical humor. 

(1892.) 



THE WEAKER SEX. 



A Comedy in Three Acts. By Arthur 
W. PiNERO. Eight male and eight female 
' ' — ■ characters. Costumes, modern ; scenery, 
two interiors, not difficult. This very amusing comedy was a popular feature of 
the repertoire of Mr. and Mrs. Kendal m this country. It presents a plot of 
strong dramatic interest, and its incidental satire of " Woman's Rights'' em- 
plov's some admirably humorous characters, and inspires many very clever lines. 
Its leading characters are unusually even in strength and prominence, which 
makes it a very satisfactory piece for amateurs. (1894.) 



I 

I 

k 

t 

Sty 

I 

SI/ 

? 

s»/ 



I 



NEW OPERETTAS FOR CHILDREN- 



EDITH'S DREAM. 

^n ©peretta for CJjiltircn. 

Words by MARGARET FEZANDIE and EDGAR MORETTE. 
Music by EUGENE FEZANDIE, Jr. 



Eleven characters, girls and boys, or all girls, as preferred ; ten or more addi- 
tional for chorns. Scenery unnecessary ; costumes, pretty and fanciful, but 
easily arranged at home.. This admirable little piece is printed complete with 
music. It is very tuneful and gracefully imagined, and is strongly recommended 
for private theatricals or for schools. It is particularly well suited for the latter 
nse, as it deals whimsically with the question of youthful study, inculcating, 
however, an excellent moral. 






Price 



35 cents. 



ODD OPERASSEVENTIDE. | 

A Collection of Short and Simple Musical ^jy 

Entertainments for Children. Wa 



By MRS. G. N. BORDMAN. 



This collection provides a simple operetta, a fairy opera, a picturesque motion 
song, a quaint musical pantomime, a pretty musical sketch, and two original 
h»morous recitations for children, complete, with all the music, and full instruc- 
tions for performance. The music is tuneful and simple, and is specially written 
with the tastes and limitations of children in view. The solos are easily learned 
and sung, and all the choruses are written for voices in unison. The collection 
is strongly recommended for its simplicity and perfect practicability. Neither 
stage nor scenery is demanded, nor any other requirements that cannot be met 
without trouble by the equipment of the ordinary hall or church vestry, and the 
zeal of the most economical committee of arrangements. 



Price 



50 cents. 



copJtents. 



A Glimpse of the Brownies. A 

Musical Sketch for Children. Any 
number of boys. 

Mbrket Day. An Operetta for Young 
People. Seven speaking parts and 
chorus. 

Queen Flora's Day Dream. An 

Operetta for Children. Six speak- 
ing parts and chorus. 



The Boating Party. A Musical 

Sketch for Little Children. Thirty 

boys and girls. 
Six tittle Grandmas. A Musical 

Pantomime for very Little Children. 

Six very little girls. 
Jimmy Crow, A Recitation for a 

Little Girl. 
A House in the Moon. A Kecita- 

tion for a Child. 



8. J. PARKHILL * CO., PRINTERS. BOSTON. U.S.A. 



